Quarterly policy update
Colleagues are asked to note that the following policies have been introduced/reviewed under the University’s Policy Framework:
New Policies:
Attendance and Absence Policy for PGR Students: this policy sets out the expectations of the University with regard to the course engagement, attendance and absence of postgraduate research students.
University Press Publications Policy – this is a new policy describing the aims, remit and governance of the University of Huddersfield Press.
Revised Policies:
Data Protection Policy – the policy has been reviewed and updated in light of the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation and to take into account changes in terminology and practice. Key changes include the new GDPR data protection principles, the requirement to report data breaches to the ICO within 72 hours, the updated role of Data Protection Champions within Schools and Services and the use of Privacy Impact Assessments for new processing activities.
Management of Work-Related Stress Policy for Staff – this is now a standalone policy and has been removed from the University’s Health & Safety Policy. Revisions have been made to incorporate the University’s Employee Assistance Programme, Silver Cloud, and the introduction of a new network of active Mental Health First Aiders to help support both staff and students within the University, focusing specifically on mental wellbeing.
Policy on Support for Pregnant Students and New Parents – revisions include the addition of a risk assessment form and guidance on miscarriages and still births, plus general typographical, phrasing and presentational changes.
Repository E-Theses Policy - changes have been made to the policy in terms of wording on copyright and to reflect the University Eprints Repository.
Repository Policy – updated to take account of the launch of PURE to manage research publications. The language of the policy has been also simplified wherever possible.
Safeguarding Policy – this new policy replaces the separate Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults and Prevent Policies in line with HEFCE guidance that suggests framing the University’s Prevent Duty obligations within a safeguarding framework is best practice. This more succinct policy, incorporating the Prevent Duty, has been subject to consultation with key stakeholders and requires Deans and Directors to recommend a Safeguarding champion within their area.
Amendments have also been made to the following policies:
If you have any queries about the Policy Framework please direct these to Tracey Taylor. Any queries about the policies themselves should be directed to the individual policy owners.
Michaela Boryslawskyj
University Secretary